Hibbard longing for redemption

21 September 2012 12:51

By Sportsbeat

Richard Hibbard knows he must hit form with the Ospreys if he is to get back in the frame for Test selection

Inpho

Wales hooker Richard Hibbard insists his passion to pull on his country's colours remains as strong as ever despite carrying the can for the Red Dragons' loss to Australia in the second Test this summer.

Hibbard was penalised twice in the closing stages of the second Test which allowed Mike Harris to kick the winning penalty and condemn the tourists to a 25-23 defeat in Melbourne.

The result ensured Wales went 2-0 down in the Test series and the 28-year-old was the only man to be dropped from the match-day 22 for the final Test.

Only four of Hibbard's 17 Welsh caps have come in the RBS 6 Nations and he knows if he is to add to that tally next spring he will have to put his summer heartache behind him quickly.

Despite his club Ospreys' poor start to the season Hibbard insists he is in good shape but he admits that he may have to discover the form of his life to get back into the Wales squad for the autumn internationals.

"I'm feeling fit. I had a great pre-season, I'm lighter than I have been and I'm in great nick," Hibbard told Wales Online.

"My hunger for the game is massive and I couldn't wait for the season to start.

"During the course of a long career you are going to have these setbacks.

"It's how you deal with them that matters, whether or not you can get up and prove people wrong.

"I hope nothing is held against me. Everyone wants to pull on the red jersey and I'm no different. It means a massive amount to represent Wales.

"What I have to do is play better than I've ever played, so the Wales management will feel I deserve another chance."

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.